AP Chemistry
1.7 Periodic Trends
1.5 Atomic Structure and Electron Configuration
A student investigates periodic trends across Period 2 of the periodic table. The student models the Coulombic force of attraction, \(F\), exerted by the nucleus on an outermost valence electron using the relationship
\[ F \propto \dfrac{Z_{\text{eff}}}{r^2} \]
where \(r\) is the atomic radius and \(Z_{\text{eff}}\) is the effective nuclear charge given by \(Z_{\text{eff}} = Z - S\). In this model, core electrons provide complete shielding (\(S = 1.0\) per core electron) and valence electrons in the same principal energy level provide negligible shielding (\(S = 0\)).
The student compiles the data shown in the following table:
Based on the student's model and the data in the table, what is the value of the ratio of the attractive force on a valence electron in a \(\text{C}\) atom to that in a \(\text{Li}\) atom, \(\dfrac{F_{\text{C}}}{F_{\text{Li}}}\)?
\[ F \propto \dfrac{Z_{\text{eff}}}{r^2} \]
where \(r\) is the atomic radius and \(Z_{\text{eff}}\) is the effective nuclear charge given by \(Z_{\text{eff}} = Z - S\). In this model, core electrons provide complete shielding (\(S = 1.0\) per core electron) and valence electrons in the same principal energy level provide negligible shielding (\(S = 0\)).
The student compiles the data shown in the following table:
| Element | Atomic number (\(Z\)) | Electron configuration | Approximate atomic radius (\(\text{pm}\)) |
|---|---|---|---|
| \(\text{Li}\) | \(3\) | \(1s^2\,2s^1\) | \(160\) |
| \(\text{C}\) | \(6\) | \(1s^2\,2s^2\,2p^2\) | \(80\) |
Based on the student's model and the data in the table, what is the value of the ratio of the attractive force on a valence electron in a \(\text{C}\) atom to that in a \(\text{Li}\) atom, \(\dfrac{F_{\text{C}}}{F_{\text{Li}}}\)?
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